Head of Finance

An ambitious, privately owned group operating across construction, infrastructure and related services is seeking a senior finance professional to join its leadership team. With a strong turnover, entrepreneurial culture and clear growth plans, the business offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the finance function and progress into a Finance Director position.

We are looking for a hands-on Head of Finance to work closely with the Managing Director as a trusted commercial and financial partner. Initially, you will take responsibility for the full finance function across a multi-entity group, balancing day-to-day financial management with strategic insight. As the business grows, you will build and lead a finance team, with a clear route to Finance Director.

• Take ownership of the end-to-end finance function across multiple group entities.
• Produce timely monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets and board-level reporting.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, credit control, supplier payments and banking relationships.
• Oversee payroll, pensions, VAT, CIS and other statutory submissions.
• Strengthen financial controls, processes and purchase-order procedures.
• Deliver commercial reporting on contract, customer, project and divisional profitability.
• Support investment appraisals, pricing decisions, growth initiatives and potential acquisitions.
• Work with external accountants and auditors on year-end requirements.
• Improve reporting processes and finance systems, including maximising the use of Sage.
• Recruit, develop and manage a finance team as the business expands.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or a finalist with substantial senior-level experience.
• Experience as a Head of Finance, Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Finance Director within an SME or group environment.
• Comfortable operating in a standalone, hands-on role while providing strategic commercial input.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management experience.
• Exposure to multi-entity accounting and group reporting.
• Construction, engineering, logistics, waste, plant hire or project-based industry experience would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of CIS, project accounting, valuations, retentions or applications for payment is desirable.
• Strong Excel and accounting-systems skills;
  Sage experience is preferred.
• A practical, commercially minded communicator who can confidently challenge and advise senior stakeholders.

• £65,000 - £75,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company pension.
• 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Professional-development and CPD support.
• Clear and genuine progression to Finance Director.
• Supportive, entrepreneurial working environment.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation.

Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.